Babson Community Coronavirus Update

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Kait Smith Lanthier

Kait Smith Lanthier is the Director, Content Strategy at Babson College and the Managing Editor of Babson Thought & Action. Her writing has appeared in print and online in a variety of outlets including USA Today, Yahoo Shine, YourTango, CosmoGirl, and First for Women magazine. Smith earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and graduate degree in integrated marketing, both from Marist College.

| April 17, 2020

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“It will undoubtedly be an incredible moment when we are able to safely be together again and celebrate the Class of 2020.”

President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD

By the Numbers

$350,000+: cash and in-kind services awarded to the winners of this year’s B.E.T.A. Challenge
86: Senior student-athletes across 22 varsity programs, all celebrated as part of Division III Week
2: undergraduate students named to this year’s list of the best and brightest business majors list
80,000: bottles of hand sanitizer produced each week by DetraPel, led by David Zamarin ‘19

Community Updates

Commencement. Over the past three weeks, more than 300 members of the Babson community shared input regarding Commencement. Students overwhelmingly expressed a desire to celebrate in person, when it is safe to do so, rather than moving to an entirely virtual ceremony. The majority of students also preferred a fall option. Committed to providing an in-person ceremony, President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD announced on Thursday that a fall Commencement date will be decided upon by July 15.

Wellness. “While it may be more difficult to do so these days, health professionals tell us it is important to prioritize our physical and mental well-being—and to support one another—during this time of uncertainty,” wrote President Spinelli in an email to faculty and staff. He encouraged the community to take advantage of employee resource groups, the BabsonDiscover webinar series, virtual fitness classes, and other resources available to the community.

Resources and Support

Executive Education Programs. Babson Executive Education is offering a series of online programs and complimentary webinars to help professionals navigate today’s uncertainty and differentiate their personal and company brands for what comes next. Topics include innovation in a crisis, navigating volatility, personal branding, and more.

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